Women across the country still remain marginalized

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says while Zambia has made strides in realizing gender equality especially in work places, more needs to be done to break cultural and societal beliefs which are barriers to the full realization of gender equity aspirations.

MDC vice president for politics, Leonard Hikaumba says women across the country still remain marginalized in relation to decision-making and access to economic and social resources in their homes, political sphere and work places as opportunities are rarely given for them to explore and prove their potential, especially in the rural parts where inequality is a reality due to cultural and societal norms.

Mr. Hikaumba says the MDC, an Alliance partner of the UPND led administration, is concerned with the low representation of women in parliament at a meager 14.7 percent against 85.3 percent seats held by men.

He says this in itself is evidence that women still find it difficult to gain prominence in the political dispensation.

In a statement, Mr. Hikaumba says the party is focusing on creating sound opportunities for women participation at the highest level to mitigate the gender divide.

He says the lack of women inclusion in key political positions deprives the country of its ability to achieve political, economic and social progression as the women have just as much as men, what it takes to occupy the positions and perform extraordinary wonders.

Mr. Hikaumba says the women deserve the support and protection in order to realize their full potential and for the country to make significant gains to a 50/50 gender parity.

and Opposition Leadership Movement president Richard SILUMBE HAS urged government to ensure essentials for women including medicines, vaccines, hygiene, education, and adequate nutrition are provided to them all the time as the country commemorates International Women’s Day tomorrow.

Dr Silumbe says gender inequity is too often among the family and healthcare dynamics that have long-term health implications for children as they grow up.